Tad Sae Waterfall
Tad Sae Waterfall
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,289 reviews
Excellent
592
Very good
376
Average
177
Poor
73
Terrible
71
BuckCRNA
Voorhees, NJ149 contributions
Feb 2020
Arrived at the waterfall at 8 AM just as the gates opened. If you can do the same, I would recommend this highly. The waterfall is very uncrowded at the beginning of the day, I had the entire trail to myself, also was able to take many photos without any other people in the photos. The climb from the main viewing area to the very top of the waterfalls is a bit treacherous, and you need to be sure to wear good footwear and also hold on to the handrails.
At the top of the waterfall, there is a set of blue signs that tell you about a café which is “3 km“ away. I can assure you with that this cafe is not three kilometers away, and at least a 30 minute walk. I do recommend going down the first portion of the path, which is flat, wide and very beautiful with butterflies leading the way in front of you. When you reach the barbed wire gate, you either have to choice of turning around, or continuing on to the café.
If you continue on, you will then traverse a second gate, and then make a sharp right hand turn onto the main road which takes you to the café. This portion will be another 20 minutes on a hilly road prior to reaching the café, which also has a large cave that you can enter for the price of 10,000 LAK ( about $1 USD).
Enjoy!
At the top of the waterfall, there is a set of blue signs that tell you about a café which is “3 km“ away. I can assure you with that this cafe is not three kilometers away, and at least a 30 minute walk. I do recommend going down the first portion of the path, which is flat, wide and very beautiful with butterflies leading the way in front of you. When you reach the barbed wire gate, you either have to choice of turning around, or continuing on to the café.
If you continue on, you will then traverse a second gate, and then make a sharp right hand turn onto the main road which takes you to the café. This portion will be another 20 minutes on a hilly road prior to reaching the café, which also has a large cave that you can enter for the price of 10,000 LAK ( about $1 USD).
Enjoy!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vikki G
Peterborough, Canada188 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This would be really cool during wet season.
We visited in February their dry season and there was not any sign of water anywhere or elephants.
We paid 10,000 kip/each for a boat round trip
Then paid 15000 kip/each at the entrance to the water fall
We hiked up a fair bit and it would be super cool during the wet season however it was dry and sucked
We visited in February their dry season and there was not any sign of water anywhere or elephants.
We paid 10,000 kip/each for a boat round trip
Then paid 15000 kip/each at the entrance to the water fall
We hiked up a fair bit and it would be super cool during the wet season however it was dry and sucked
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie N
Perth, Australia140 contributions
Oct 2022
The waterfalls are beautiful, Multi tiered falls and water is very clear and a beautiful colour. You can swim in the top section if you want or just relax. Places to get changed on site and a few places were open to buy food/drinks. Nice way to spend some time
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,324 contributions
Dec 2022
The falls here don't quite have the majesty of Kuang Si, but they're still very picturesque. Some of the facilities at the site are still closed post-COVID and there's a general sense of the place having been left to fend for itself the last couple of years. Access is easiest (only possible even?) by boat. The entry fee is minimal and worth it. Note that if you go swimming, the water is fresh and therefore very cold, and the clay-like silt on the bottom of the pools is very sticky and can be difficult to pull yourself through.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Travelling House Sitters
Croatia103 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
I rented a bike and made the cycle out to Tad Sae, I wouldn't recommend the ride to anyone who is not fairly fit or confident on a bike.
Be very careful of the men on the boats scamming you if you are alone. They will charge you double and rush you on the boat then pile more people on at regular price. Make sure you demand your money back.
On a lighter note the waterfalls are beautiful and it is a great spot to hang for a few hours.. I must have came after some heavy rain because there was a lot of debris and mud around the walking tracks.
The track itself was in need of repair and there was a lot of times when I thought I might have taken a wrong turn. However, it was manageable and actually kind of fun 'making my own track'.
The main pool/ waterfall area when you arrive is in the best condition and one of the more nice spots to hang out. Lots of sun and a nice chill vibe.
The cave is pretty cool, again the track is not in very good condition and you have to do a little bit of guess work to get there. I climbed up the ladder, however, I would not recommend this, it is missing steps and is quite dodgy - I also wasn't too sure what to do at the top - it just kind of leads you to an overgrown bush area where the tracks disappear.
Be very careful of the men on the boats scamming you if you are alone. They will charge you double and rush you on the boat then pile more people on at regular price. Make sure you demand your money back.
On a lighter note the waterfalls are beautiful and it is a great spot to hang for a few hours.. I must have came after some heavy rain because there was a lot of debris and mud around the walking tracks.
The track itself was in need of repair and there was a lot of times when I thought I might have taken a wrong turn. However, it was manageable and actually kind of fun 'making my own track'.
The main pool/ waterfall area when you arrive is in the best condition and one of the more nice spots to hang out. Lots of sun and a nice chill vibe.
The cave is pretty cool, again the track is not in very good condition and you have to do a little bit of guess work to get there. I climbed up the ladder, however, I would not recommend this, it is missing steps and is quite dodgy - I also wasn't too sure what to do at the top - it just kind of leads you to an overgrown bush area where the tracks disappear.
Written April 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leeyuk
Kuala Lumpur342 contributions
I went to the Tat Sae waterfalls in September, which is supposedly the wet season and the falls were in full flow. They're not tall but very expansive and the water is a little milky from the limestone, I think.
The place is lovely and has a very nice, friendly feel to it. I went on a weekday and there were hardly any visitors there. The place is clean and well maintained, with a small restaurant and a stall selling fruits. The main pool seems to be paved in concrete so it's level without dips and bumps - and risks of sudden deep pools.
The water is cold and clean and you can get a nice massage by sitting under one of the numerous falls.
We were lucky enough to see domesticated elephants taking a bath while at the falls. I'd recommend this to anyone as an outing from Luang Prabang.
The place is lovely and has a very nice, friendly feel to it. I went on a weekday and there were hardly any visitors there. The place is clean and well maintained, with a small restaurant and a stall selling fruits. The main pool seems to be paved in concrete so it's level without dips and bumps - and risks of sudden deep pools.
The water is cold and clean and you can get a nice massage by sitting under one of the numerous falls.
We were lucky enough to see domesticated elephants taking a bath while at the falls. I'd recommend this to anyone as an outing from Luang Prabang.
Written September 25, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Catherine F
London, UK10 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I was unaware of the cruelty involved in elephant riding until a friend informed me. The chairs used are too heavy for their backs causing their spines to cave and baby elephants are often trained to accept riders in a process known as 'the crush' where the animal is placed in a strong, large stall or cage, tied with ropes and often beaten. Google 'elephant riding' and the reasons why you shouldn't do it will be at the top of your search.
Even without this knowledge I would have been distressed by what I experienced a Tad Sae Waterfalls. It started off well enough. We purchased bananas and bamboo to feed the elephants which they gleefully took off us and we posed for photographs. Even then though was an indication of what was to follow. Each elephant was being ridden by a mahout with a bull hook or large nail in his hand. I assumed, wrongly, that this was merely a precaution and they wouldn't be used. Moreover having now spent time with well fed elephants I realise that the elephants snatching the food from our hands was not just fun and games. These elephants were hungry! At least we can be grateful that they hadn't been given amphetamines to suppress their appetites.
Knowing that the seats are harmful to the elephants we asked just to bathe the elephants and ride on their necks. The elephants were lead to the waterfalls where I was helped onto one of their necks with a mahout sitting behind me. The mahout then began encouraging the elephant to wade into the waterfall. It was clear to me that the elephant did not want to wade into the deeper water. As the elephant hesitated the mahout then began stabbing the large nail he had been holding into the elephants side. Yes, elephants have thick skin but it is very sensitive and at this point I noticed blood on the elephant’s side. Even with thick skin it will hurt if you pierce it. I asked the mahout to stop but he did not understand me, or simply ignored me. I then shouted to the English speaking guide that I wanted to get off. I told him that I did not like the way the nail was being used. We then proceeded to bathe the elephants however this experience was also cheapened by the mahouts’ encouragement of the elephants to perform tricks for us, submerging themselves in the water, again through use of the bull hook.
The whole experience felt cheap, unnatural and was very distressing. One of the members of our group was actually brought to tears.
I accept that the mahouts need an income to support themselves and their elephants and tourism is a way to do that however these cruel practices won't change unless the tourists demand something better. There are several better alternatives in Laos and further afield for those travelling further. Firstly Elephant Village in Luang Prabang. This also gets some bad reviews on trip advisor in relation to the treatment of the elephants and they do still offer riding with chairs so proceed with caution however another group who we were travelling with went here and had a wonderful time. Their feeling was that the elephants were happy and well treated. I did not go myself. If you’re going on to Thailand try Elephant Nature Park or Happy Elephant Home in Chiang Mai for a positive elephant friendly experience. Both places focus on the welfare of the elephants and do not allow riding. I went to Happy Elephant Home and can't recommend it enough. Quality time with happy elephants and not a bull hook in sight!
The waterfalls themselves are lovely enough but nothing in comparison to Kuang Si Falls where there is also a sun bear sanctuary if you feel like giving a bit more back to the animals.
TLDR: Elephants are badly treated to the point that it brought one of our group to tears. There are better alternatives in Luang Prabang or Chiang Mai in Thailand. The waterfalls are nothing special.
Even without this knowledge I would have been distressed by what I experienced a Tad Sae Waterfalls. It started off well enough. We purchased bananas and bamboo to feed the elephants which they gleefully took off us and we posed for photographs. Even then though was an indication of what was to follow. Each elephant was being ridden by a mahout with a bull hook or large nail in his hand. I assumed, wrongly, that this was merely a precaution and they wouldn't be used. Moreover having now spent time with well fed elephants I realise that the elephants snatching the food from our hands was not just fun and games. These elephants were hungry! At least we can be grateful that they hadn't been given amphetamines to suppress their appetites.
Knowing that the seats are harmful to the elephants we asked just to bathe the elephants and ride on their necks. The elephants were lead to the waterfalls where I was helped onto one of their necks with a mahout sitting behind me. The mahout then began encouraging the elephant to wade into the waterfall. It was clear to me that the elephant did not want to wade into the deeper water. As the elephant hesitated the mahout then began stabbing the large nail he had been holding into the elephants side. Yes, elephants have thick skin but it is very sensitive and at this point I noticed blood on the elephant’s side. Even with thick skin it will hurt if you pierce it. I asked the mahout to stop but he did not understand me, or simply ignored me. I then shouted to the English speaking guide that I wanted to get off. I told him that I did not like the way the nail was being used. We then proceeded to bathe the elephants however this experience was also cheapened by the mahouts’ encouragement of the elephants to perform tricks for us, submerging themselves in the water, again through use of the bull hook.
The whole experience felt cheap, unnatural and was very distressing. One of the members of our group was actually brought to tears.
I accept that the mahouts need an income to support themselves and their elephants and tourism is a way to do that however these cruel practices won't change unless the tourists demand something better. There are several better alternatives in Laos and further afield for those travelling further. Firstly Elephant Village in Luang Prabang. This also gets some bad reviews on trip advisor in relation to the treatment of the elephants and they do still offer riding with chairs so proceed with caution however another group who we were travelling with went here and had a wonderful time. Their feeling was that the elephants were happy and well treated. I did not go myself. If you’re going on to Thailand try Elephant Nature Park or Happy Elephant Home in Chiang Mai for a positive elephant friendly experience. Both places focus on the welfare of the elephants and do not allow riding. I went to Happy Elephant Home and can't recommend it enough. Quality time with happy elephants and not a bull hook in sight!
The waterfalls themselves are lovely enough but nothing in comparison to Kuang Si Falls where there is also a sun bear sanctuary if you feel like giving a bit more back to the animals.
TLDR: Elephants are badly treated to the point that it brought one of our group to tears. There are better alternatives in Luang Prabang or Chiang Mai in Thailand. The waterfalls are nothing special.
Written December 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hb133
London, UK88 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
It's rather hard to review the overall waterfall experience here... The waterfalls themselves were nothing special, and in fact somewhat disappointing with very limited water in early July. However, the elephant swimming / bathing was the highlight of the experience at the waterfalls and is highly recommended.
As for the zip lines - this started out as a fun experience, with what seemed like all the right equipment etc. The first few lines were good, some fun, however things changed for me on the longest, fastest line. I found myself twisting out of control (despite following instructions) and ended up near the end of the line twisted and facing backwards. Given the choice between slowing down a bit and hitting the platform / tree backwards or turning around and hitting forwards, I chose to protect my back and hit forwards.
In making contact with the tree at the end of the platform with my foot, I managed to fracture two bones (the fibular and tibular) causing great pain. This is where the first problem arose - there was no alternative way down to help except to go down a further 7 or so zip lines plus be lowered down a few platforms, all in serious pain. This took about 30 minutes, and it was then a further 1 1/2 hours to get to the hospital in Luang Prabang (which is better left unreviewed on tripadvisor...!).
The staff on site really didn't seem to care at all about my accident or my well-being, however once I was able to speak to the manager / owner of the business on the phone, things improved and I was met at the hospital and looked after by her.
If you chose to ride the zip line here, be very sure to ensure you slow down adequately, as there is minimal space at the end of many of the lines between the platform and the tree the platform is on.
As for the zip lines - this started out as a fun experience, with what seemed like all the right equipment etc. The first few lines were good, some fun, however things changed for me on the longest, fastest line. I found myself twisting out of control (despite following instructions) and ended up near the end of the line twisted and facing backwards. Given the choice between slowing down a bit and hitting the platform / tree backwards or turning around and hitting forwards, I chose to protect my back and hit forwards.
In making contact with the tree at the end of the platform with my foot, I managed to fracture two bones (the fibular and tibular) causing great pain. This is where the first problem arose - there was no alternative way down to help except to go down a further 7 or so zip lines plus be lowered down a few platforms, all in serious pain. This took about 30 minutes, and it was then a further 1 1/2 hours to get to the hospital in Luang Prabang (which is better left unreviewed on tripadvisor...!).
The staff on site really didn't seem to care at all about my accident or my well-being, however once I was able to speak to the manager / owner of the business on the phone, things improved and I was met at the hospital and looked after by her.
If you chose to ride the zip line here, be very sure to ensure you slow down adequately, as there is minimal space at the end of many of the lines between the platform and the tree the platform is on.
Written July 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christophe C
12 contributions
Aug 2017
The falls are nice allright, but our experience was really killed by the sad monkey in a really tiny cage and the elephants being enslaved and exploited for tourists who pay the price to ride/bathe them. We'd advise to boycott this place or at least not pay any extras for the "animal tourism" going on there, and spread the word to make this well known. There is better than this around Luang Prabang if you're looking for waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Written September 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kazzlee
London, UK19 contributions
This waterfall is undoubtedly beautiful, but personally we found it a real shame that it has been turned into a real tourist attraction; shops, elephant rides, even complete with a zip line course. It's clearly some people's ticket; lots of people were enjoying themselves, but if you are like us and prefer a quieter more natural place make sure you head further along the falls. Its possible yo find quieter, beautiful spots to swim with no one around. Having been to the elephant nature park in Chiang Mai and learnt how elephants are 'trained' to become domesticated I found seeing the elephants being ridden in the water more disturbing than amusing. And the screaming girls on their backs did little for the peaceful atmosphere of the place. One of the mahouts had a stick with a very sharp hook on the end... Beautiful and unique waterfall but if you like it quiet there are better places for the experience you get.
Written October 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hallo Zusammen.
Wir waren gestern bei den Wasserfällen von Tad Sae und haben dort auch die Elefanten gesehen. Auf den ersten Blick sah das alles sogar ganz gut aus, weshalb wir näher gegangen sind. Am „Gehege“ haben wir dann gesehen, dass zwei von vier Elefanten eng angekettet waren. Zudem gab es keinen Zaun insofern muss man ja davon ausgehen, dass die auch nachts angekettet sind, oder? Weiß jemand etwas genaueres über die Haltung oder wo ich jemanden kontaktieren könnte? Leider sprach vor Ort keiner englisch.
celine r
Biganos, France
Combien à coûté le trajet en tuktuk de Luang prabang aller retour?
941estrella
Castellón de la Plana, Spain89 contributions
Celine R. No se si seré de gran ayuda por que me resulta difícil acordarme ese día contratamos una excursión con un todoterreno desde Luang Prabang pero pasamos casi todo el día fuimos a ver otras cascadas y os aconsejo contratar un coche apropiado por qué hay muchos baches y un tuktuk os destrozará el cuerpo y si contratáis regatear el precio.
Contratamos la noche antes en el mercado nocturno con un chico muy amable y el precio fue bueno pero no lo recuerdo lo siento
Mtn_Walker456
47 contributions
Is the waterfall worth visiting in late April or early May? Also, How cold is the water? (Approximate water temperature)
Linh B
Hanoi417 contributions
Sad thing about Tad Sae is it's dry during hottest season like April or May. But still have some water runing down... you may feel a bit disappointed seeing a dry waterfall.
sud77
Drummondville, Canada202 contributions
Bonjour,
J'aimerais savoir où vous avez loué la moto/shooter car nous irons au Laos en octobre prochain. Nous arriverons en bateau, à Luang Prabang et j'aimerais aller aux cascades Kuang Si et ensuite au Tad Sae, à 42 km.
Si vous avez loué à Luang Prabang, pourriez-vous me dire à quel endroit et est-ce facile à louer....
encore merci
Guy De-Nardi
Flavin, France209 contributions
Bjr
Nous avons louer le scooter directement à l’hôtel IQ où nous étions
Notre ami Sith ne nous a pas demandé de pièces d’identité
Melissa O
George Town, Malaysia13 contributions
What is a good budget hotel to stay with close proximity to this place n other attractions as well?
jodiemoon80
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam155 contributions
We stayed in the downtown, just next to the main streets. There is no other place close to the Tad Sea Waterfall which is out of the downtown. It takes 45 minutes - 1 hour to Tad Sea by tuk tuk. But the road is quite good.
There are a lot of Villas in downtown with cheap prices. We stayed at Villa Meuanglao - free breakfast. Quite cheap - around 20 usd/night
Tad Sae Waterfall (Luang Prabang) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tad Sae Waterfall
- We recommend booking Tad Sae Waterfall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Tad Sae Waterfall tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tad Sae Waterfall:
- (1.56 mi) Lao Spirit Resort
- (5.60 mi) Thongbay Guesthouse
- (6.26 mi) 3 Nagas Luang Prabang - MGallery
- (6.18 mi) Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel
- (6.99 mi) Rosewood Luang Prabang
- Restaurants near Tad Sae Waterfall:
- (6.37 mi) La Belle Epoque at The Luang Say Residence
- (6.33 mi) Popolo
- (6.32 mi) Yuni Yupoun Restaurant
- (6.41 mi) Saffron Coffee
- (6.29 mi) Phonheuang Cafe